When washing is done, it’s easy to slip the pieces together again for storage. 2. Donna Currie is a food writer and blogger specializing in recipes and kitchen gadgets. So, what’s the difference between a dry cup and a liquid cup? Most measuring cup sets come with these measuring cups: 1 cup, 3/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup and 1/4 cup. There are separate measurement marks for liquid or dry ingredients in U.S. and metric measures. Measuring cups are one of the items that are essential in just about every kitchen. For easy cleaning, just toss them in the dishwasher on the top rack. Measuring dry ingredients. Without the overhead of a classic brick-and-mortar retailer, the brand is able to sell highly rated kitchen products online at easily accessible prices. Silicone can be used in all of the same applications as plastic—and also has the drawback of holding on to aggressive odors and colors. The handle is 5 3/4 inches long, so it’s simple to dip deep into a canister, and the 18/8 stainless steel is non-reactive, corrosion-free, and completely food safe. We’ve come to believe in the notion that we can only measure dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder in dry measuring cups (the set of scoops marked ¼, ⅓, ½, etc.,) and wet ingredients like milk, oil, and water in liquid measuring cups (the devices that look like pitchers with little spouts and handles.) Plastic cups meant for dry measurements are typically lighter-weight than stainless steel cups, and they are usually a little less expensive. That’s why you’ll usually see dry ingredients measured in cups, tablespoons, or teaspoons — not ounces. The same does not hold true for dry ingredients where 1 cup of a dry ingredient does not always equal to 8 ounces in weight. A measuring cup without a handle is more difficult to scoop with and can even leave holes in the side of the cup if the welding detaches from the side. Some plastics and glass are tempered to handle the heat of boiling liquids, but check the heat rating before using them for this purpose. If you are planning to buy dry ingredients measuring cups but confused which one is the best dry ingredients measuring cups then you are in the right place. Pour a liquid (like milk) into your measuring cup. An included loop can connect them so they can be hung on a single hook, or keep them separate to grab them one at a time. No need to wash the scoop each time—since there’s no cross-contamination—just leave the scoop in the canister for the next use. Most liquid measuring cups are made of either plastic or glass and tend to have the measurements painted onto the side in both standard and metric units. Stainless steel is also non-porous and will not pick up odors or colors. Professional chefs love OXO measuring equipment for its durability and intuitive designs. It’s NSF certified for commercial use and can withstand boiling liquids and freezing temperatures. When using a dry measuring cup the capacity is measured to the level top of the cup. ", "Shaped like beakers, these have a pouring spout that makes neat, precise pouring easy. In terms of precision, a scale is a lot better than using a dry dup. Pyrex has been a staple in American kitchens for generations. When you want to know how many oz in a cup there are, then you need to ensure that you are using the right dry cup. These days, almost all measuring cups can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning but are just as easy to rinse or wash by hand. It holds 2 quarts, so you’ll have your stockpot filled with fewer measures and less counting of cups. When cooking is done, these are top-rack dishwasher safe. A well-maintained glass Pyrex measuring cup (or casserole dish or pie plate) is likely to last you a decade or longer. If a smaller quantity is needed, the scoop makes it easy to fill a traditional measuring cup. For thin liquids, just pour from the cup—the rim is designed to make pouring easy and mess-free. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Bellemain 6-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set at Amazon, OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Angled Measuring Cup Set at Amazon, Squish 4-Piece Collapsible Measuring Cup Set at Amazon, Rubbermaid 1 Cup Bouncer Measuring Cup at Amazon, Pyrex Prepware 2-Quart Glass Measuring Cup at Walmart, OXO Good Grips 2 Cup Adjustable Measuring Cup at Amazon, RSVP International Endurance Oval 1/2 Cup Measuring Scoop at Amazon, OXO Good Grips Measuring Beakers at Amazon, Best Dry Measures: KPKitchen measuring cups & spoons are mostly for dry ingredients but you can definitely also use them, especially the spoons, to measure liquids. And that it is vital to use the correct type of measuring cup for the ingredient you are measuring? If space is limited, a collapsible set of measuring cups like the Squish four-piece set come in handy—reducing how much space is taken up in full drawers. It holds 2 cups and is adjustable with a simple twist to align the body with the cup’s measurements. Measuring scoops are like a cross between a dry measuring cup and a very large measuring spoon. There are two different types of measuring cups: those designed for measuring dry ingredients and those for liquids. You can easily dip them into bags or canisters to scoop up dry goods and there’s a scraper included in the set to level off the measurement precisely. Scoop out into the measuring cup. When nested, the cups only take up as much space in your cabinets or drawers as the largest cup in the set. Spoons typically come in stainless steel or plastic, although stainless steel is going to last you longer than plastic. Dry measuring cups are meant to be filled to the brim so you can sweep off the excess. The capacity is marked on each cup so it’s easy to grab the right one for your recipe. measure those amounts using other cups multiple times. 1 cup of flour will weigh slightly more than 1 cup of oats. That means a lot of stooping and squatting—unless you have this angled measuring cup set. Pour the liquid so that the bottom of the meniscus is at the measuring line. However, these are not simple cups – they are cups for measuring dry ingredients. Use a blunt knife to level the flour. Unfortunately, they may not be as stable when being filled with lightweight ingredients and may topple over more easily. This ensures that you can fill it with your dry ingredients without any problems. Even if you decide to graduate to a kitchen scale down the line for more precise measurements, you’re always going to need a reliable set of measuring cups on hand. So, you simply grab the usual cup you use for baking and fill the cup with flour. Cups with handles that have been attached separately tend to break off after prolonged use. While not the most accurate way to measure, these additional increments can still come in handy. While both liquid and dry measuring cups have the same volume, each kind of cup is engineered to accurately measure their respective ingredients. For liquids, the fill mark is at a lower level so you won’t spill the ingredients on the way to your bowl or pot. The reason we have dry and liquid measuring cups is because different ingredients require different techniques to accurately measure them. Liquid measuring cups are designed specifically for liquid ingredients, making it easy to measure them into a stable cup. Glass measuring cups are usually heavier than plastic cups, but they are non-porous and resistant to odors and stains. Your best choice is a set of stainless steel measuring cups formed out of a solid sheet of metal, such as the Bellemain six-piece stainless steel measuring cup set. Dry ingredients require the ability to scoop the ingredients into the cup until it's overflowing, and then level it off for an accurate measurement. The engraved measurement on the measuring cups and spoons is that of the cup or spoon filled to the brim. Using the correct measuring cup for dry ingredients or liquid ingredients matters! When cooking is done, these are dishwasher safe for super-simple cleanup every time. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our Rubbermaid Commercial Products 1 Cup Bouncer Measuring Cup, Best Large Capacity: Use our converter to determine how many ounces in a cup. Squish 4-Piece Collapsible Measuring Cup Set, Best Budget Cup: The handles are aligned with the rims of the bowls for easy leveling after filling. A brand with a reputation that speaks for itself, Rubbermaid has been known for its durable plastic products for decades. Larger sets may include additional increments such as ⅛-, ⅔-, and ¾-cup measures, and even the elusive 2-cup measuring cup, which are all very helpful, even if they aren’t necessary. A basic set includes ¼, ½, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon measures. Measuring cups that look like little pitchers with a lip/spout to aid in pouring. Since these are microwave safe, you can measure and then heat water, juice, or milk for your recipe, but they shouldn’t be used for microwaving fats or oils. How To Use A Dry Measuring Cup. Other countries use other units of measurement that can be more precise. No more need to fill, bend down to check the amount, fill some more, and check again. Plastic cups may crack if exposed to heat and cold for a prolonged period of time or if it's dropped. Measuring cups and spoons typically do not come with a warranty. You'll need measuring cups to measure a variety of dry ingredients, like flour, sugar, brown sugar, rice, or oats. Stainless steel: Ideal for dry measuring, stainless steel cups are the most sturdy and well-balanced measuring cups on the market. Silicone: Silicone is typically used either in collapsible cups or in conjunction with plastic measuring cups as a comfortable slip-resistant handle or non-slip base. You’re also provided with a clear view of your ingredients, which is useful if you’re mixing several ingredients in your measuring cup in advance. She covers kitchen tools and gadgets for The Spruce and is the author of Make Ahead Bread. Look for an easy-to-read, screen-printed measurement on the side of the glass, and an L-shaped handle (instead of a C-shaped handle that’s attached to the cup at both ends) to make stacking multiple cups easy. This set of three means you’ll always have the cup you need for large, medium, and small amounts, and they neatly nest for storage. This set is also available with matching collapsible measuring spoons in 1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1/4 teaspoon sizes. Aluminum cups should be avoided because they tend to bend or dent, making your measuring inaccurate. "Designed to sit upright without tipping, so you can set them on the counter to pour ingredients into them. A liquid measuring cup can’t be leveled off for dry ingredients because it allows room for liquids to slosh around. When it needs to be cleaned or it’s time to move it to another canister, the scoop is dishwasher safe. All plastic measuring cups should be kept away from an open flame to avoid warping or burning. So, you simply grab the usual cup you use for baking and fill the cup with flour. And the reason is simple: measuring dry and liquid ingredients isn’t the same even when you are using a cup. RSVP International makes a massive line of kitchen and serving equipment. It is dishwasher safe. Printed-on measurements may also rub off over time. ", The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. While inside measurements may also wear off with extended use, they seem to last much longer than classically painted measuring cups. Conversely, liquid ingredients are inherently messy, and filling a dry measuring cup … The set includes 1-cup, 2-cup, and 4-cup measuring cups and they all have non-slip handles that are easy to hold onto, even when your hands are messy. You’re going to reach for your measuring cups and spoons almost every time you set out to cook and bake, so make sure you get a set that’s going to support you. The integrated handle is easy to grab, even when you’re wearing an oven mitt. Glass measuring cups tend to have a longer lifespan than plastic cups. Flour 1. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use your dry cups anymore. Bellemain 6-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set, Best Wet Measuring Cups: To demonstrate how each type of measuring cup fared, we asked 18 people, both cooks and noncooks, to measure 1 cup of all-purpose flour in both dry and liquid measuring cups. Check the bottom of the measuring cup for a label if you are unsure if you have a wet or dry measuring cup. One of the smaller hand tools in the kitchen, measuring cups are typically very affordable. One option to consider is a special adjustable measuring cup with a generous rim and markings for liquids on one side and markings for dry ingredients on the other side. The handle and rim are sturdy black plastic, while the cup portions are cheerfully colored in green, red, blue, and orange. The cup measurement should be engraved or stamped onto the handle. Plastic: Both dry and liquid measuring cups come in plastic options. Take a closer look at eye level to make sure that the lowest point of the gentle curve at the top of the milk reaches the appropriate fluid ounce marking. Fluff up the flour with a dry spoon, this will loosen the lumps. The set includes 1-cup, 2/3-cup, 1/2-cup, 2-ounce (1/4-cup), 1-ounce, 1-tablespoon, and 1-teaspoon beakers. But if you press the flour down, you can be sure that you’ll be adding too much flour to the recipe. We then weighed the flour to assess accuracy (a properly measured cup of all-purpose flour weighs 5 ounces). Buy measuring cups. From the brand's easy-to-read angled measuring cups to its high-quality digital scales, OXO's measuring equipment is some of the best on the market. Pyrex has been making the gold standard of liquid measuring cups for generations. When you are measuring these light and fluffy ingredients with a tablespoon, all you need to do is to put the ingredient into the measuring spoon with another spoon or scoop, until it domes up over the top of the measuring spoon. How to use a measuring cup for wet ingredients. While you may want to know how many oz in a cup for dry ingredients, then you need to understand that you are actually using a measure of weight and not volume. Our job is to introduce and guide you through some of the Top dry ingredients measuring cups currently available in the market. Primarily an online kitchen equipment retailer, Bellemain offers an eclectic assortment of kitchen small wares, from measuring cups to silverware drawer organizers and mixing bowl sets. Yes, it’s easier to scoop dry ingredients using dry measuring cups. While you probably won’t cook in a measuring cup, this one is microwave-safe so you can use it for melting chocolate or butter or for heating liquids. ", "If you’ve ever measured water for a turkey brine 1 cup at a time, you’ll appreciate this extra-large measuring cup. But if you press the flour down, you can be sure that you’ll be adding too much flour to the recipe. Most of the everyday equipment the brand makes is reasonably priced, although its specialty equipment can come at more premium prices. This budget-friendly measuring cup won’t win a beauty contest, but it does its job with style. They are excellent for measuring dry ingredients because they can easily be leveled off. The ubiquity of Pyrex products is based on the longevity and merit of the products they make. They are widely available in 1, 2, 4, and 8-cup measures. While you may have always been used to see 1 cup equals to 8 ounces, this may not be entirely true. Unlike a glass cup that is breakable if you drop it or subject it to rapid temperature changes, this one is built to last, much like the one your mom or grandmother used for many years. The truth is that a lot of people have the same question just like you. Whether you’re measuring flour for a cake or broth for a soup or peanut butter for a batch of cookies, you’ll reach for measuring cups over and over again. Liquid measuring cups measure volume where 1 cup of a liquid ingredient would be equal to 8 fluid ounces. Improve your chances of perfecting each recipe the very first time around with a reliable set of measuring cups, which are available for both dry and liquid ingredients. A silicone disk on the pusher scrapes the sides clean as it pushes the food out so you won’t waste a drop. Dry measuring cups are typically made of stainless steel, plastic, silicone, or aluminum. Measuring Dry Ingredients Let’s say that you want to bake a cake and that one of the ingredients that you need to mix is 1 cup of flour. Measuring spoons are almost a category of their own, but for the sake of measuring, all of the above rules apply. For cleaning, just slide the two pieces apart and wash them on the top rack of your dishwasher. Also known for its kitchen storage solutions and handy tools, OXO can be found at most home good retailers, and some grocery stores at reasonable prices. Dry measuring cups are often used for ingredients that are scooped and leveled with the lip of the cup. For example, the dry cup is flat at the bottom and at the top. Scoop or spoon ingredients into the measuring cup. Reminiscent of the scoops found in the bulk grains or candy sections at the grocery store, these scoops are portioned like measuring cups, with an oval or pointed shape, to make scooping dry ingredients in large quantities easier. Measure Dry … ", "This set of measuring cups collapses for easy storage in a drawer or other small spaces. Measuring cups are also used to measure washing powder, liquid detergents and bleach for clothes washing. Now, let’s say you only have a wet measuring cup. On the other hand, liquid cups tend to feature a rounded shape and at its measurements don’t go up until the top. Simply Gourmet Stainless Steel Measuring Cups 7 Piece with 1/8 Cup Coffee Scoop Stainless Steel … And it’s easy to pour liquids into a liquid measuring cup because the liquid won’t spill over the edge like they would in a dry measure. When cooking is done, simply toss them in the dishwasher. When using plastic measuring cups for liquids, avoid using heated oils or color-saturated ingredients that may stain your measuring cup or leave it permanently scented and dyed. Ideally, the measurements should be engraved into the handle of the spoon for easy reading. The set also includes the more common 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 1 cup measures, so you’ll always have the one you need. This can't be done in a liquid measuring cup. So, this is why some of the best chefs in the world prefer to measure their dry ingredients using a scale. Each beaker is marked with both American and metric measures. Explore helpful measuring tips you can use in the kitchen while cooking up delicious recipes. This variance can be attributed to how … $20 will get you a high-quality set of either style of cups. Dry measuring cups are made from plastic or metal and sets usually include 1 cup, 1/2 cup 1/3 cup and 1/4 cup. Easily convert cups to ounces with our converter. A set attached together on a ring is great for keeping the spoons together—so your 1 teaspoon measure doesn’t disappear into the ether of your junk drawer. There are no welds, and all the edges are smooth so you won’t run into anything sharp. A dry measuring cup is used for measuring solid cooking ingredients like flour, sugar, oats, etc. There are liquid measuring cups and measuring cups for dry ingredients and they should only be used for their respective items. Squish makes exactly what its name suggests: squishy, collapsible, silicone, and plastic kitchen equipment. To measure out 1/2 cup of flour, you choose your 1/2 dry measuring cup, fill it to the top with flour, and then level off the top, giving you exactly 1/2 cup. The brand's casserole dishes and liquid measuring cups can be found in most grocery and drug stores, as well as any kitchen goods store. All that said, the only way to be completely exact in measuring is to weigh your ingredients on a kitchen scale, so add one to your kitchen wish list. For sticky liquids like honey or thick ingredients like peanut butter, turn the cup over and twist to push the ingredients out. This six-piece measuring cup set features two sizes that aren’t always included in basic sets—a 2/3 cup measure and a 3/4 cup measure. When measuring ingredients like flour and confectioner's sugar, you should use the "scoop and fill" method. The liquid measuring cup allows enough space to carry the ingredient to the pot or bowl it’s ultimately going to without spilling (which it almost certainly would do if measured into a dry measuring cup). With the dry measuring cup, the measurements were off by as much as 13 percent. They are one-piece, so there is no more broken plastic handles! Here, the best measuring cups for your kitchen's needs. Labels are likely to peel off after several washes, leaving you second-guessing yourself every time you go to measure an ingredient. Place the cup on a flat surface when measuring liquids to ensure an accurate measurement. While it’s certainly possible to measure those amounts using other cups multiple times, it’s not convenient. The set includes 1-cup, 1/2-cup, 1/3-cup, and 1/4-cup measuring cups. For dry measuring cups, a basic set includes a ¼-, ⅓-, ½-, and 1-cup measure. When you’re using a standard measuring cup, you should place the cup on a flat surface and read the measurement at eye level. These have both U.S. and metric sizes etched on the wide, easy-to hold-handles, so you can see at a glance which cup you have. OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Nesting Measuring Beaker Set, The 8 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets of 2021. The silicone products Squish produces are flexible, durable, and come highly rated by online users. Since you need different cups for different amounts, dry measuring cups come in sets. Use the right cup "size" for measurements.